An aerial photo shows the lush greenery in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. [Photo/Hohhot news network]

According to a recent report, Hohhot, capital city of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has made significant gains in combating desertification and controlling sandstorms in the past few years.

Since the beginning of the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), the city has completed its targeted goal of treating 3.29 million mu (219,413 hectares) of desert and controlling sand, reducing desertification by 973,000 mu compared to 2014 and reducing sandification by 41,000 mu.

Hohhot city boasts lush mountains and grasslands. [Photo/Hohhot news network]

Moreover, the annual days of excellent air quality have increased from 283 days in 2016 to 317 days in 2022, with a total gain of 34 days. In 2023, the city plans to complete 400,000 mu of ecological construction tasks, with 50.3 percent completed. Hohhot has been actively promoting ecological protection and continuously improving the ecological environment.

According to the report, measures such as tree planting, vegetation restoration, and sand fixation have been implemented to mitigate the impacts of desertification and sandstorms. In addition, the city has strengthened overall management and environmental monitoring, leveraging the latest scientific techniques and technologies to enhance its capacity to prevent and control the spread of desertification.

Through these strategic efforts, the city of Hohhot has made substantial progress in ecological protection, including the prevention and control of desertification and sandstorms. The city has successfully preserved natural resources while balancing economic development and has become a leading example for other regions to follow.